Outgoing Port of Spain Mayor Joel Martinez says the newly sworn-in councillors of the Port of Spain City Corporation are about to undertake a profound responsibility. He said they should build on the relationships they had made in communities in order to serve citizens.
He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at City Hall on Friday. He told the four new councillors they should seek advice from the other more-experienced councillors on how to represent the people. He said he knew the experienced councillors were ready to guide the newer ones.
'You will have to do your work with humility, you will have to understand the needs of your citizens, of which during your campaign you would have forged relationships and build on it so you can best serve them for the next couple of years. You are the torchbearers of progress and the embodiment of our city's aspirations.
'Your journey ahead is not merely political duty but a sacred pact with the people you represent. In your hands rests the power to shape the destinies of neighbourhoods, to nurture growth, and to weave the tapestry of unity that defines our diverse communities. The role you assume is not one of mere governance but also of stewardship. You are entrusted with the solemn task of safeguarding the wellbeing and prosperity of our fellow citizens.'
Martinez reminded them that service was not only a duty, but a privilege.
'Service is an act of selflessness, of placing the collective interest above personal gain, it is an embodiment of sacrifice and dedication. As you embark on this journey, remember that your success will be measured not by the accolades you receive but by the lives you've touched, and the positive change you've enacted.
'Let your decisions be driven by the needs of the many rather than the desires of the few. Let your dedication to your duty be unwavering. Let your actions be a reflection of the hopes and dreams of those you serve. Let your service be a beacon of hope and a testament to your unwavering commitment.'
Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland said the councillors could not expect a honeymoon period, but had to hit the ground running. He urged them to draw from the experience of those who came before them.
'You succeeded in a campaign of local government reform, which translates into better delivery of services. There is no honeymoon period, there is no period of gestation. The vision is to give you all a greater say in policy and decision-making ability in your respective areas.'
He said the corporation is exclusively a PNM-controlled corporation and the councillors should not take it for granted.
'With the mid-term blues, this is a massive feat. The responsibility is for you now to ensure efficiency and performance, and it lies solely on your shoulders. There are no external influences in the corporation. You fought together for six weeks, continue to fight together for four exciting years. The challenges will be many and diverse as you strive to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Port of Spain.'
